WIMAUMA — The heavenly sounds of southern gospel music will be heard in Wimauma this Labor Day weekend.

The Florida Gospel Music Association will host its 24th annual fall music convention Aug. 30 to Sept. 1. More than 20 acts from across the state and beyond are scheduled to perform at this year’s event, which will once again take place at the Wimauma Church of God campground, 5408 State Road 674.

“We have artists who have moved out-of-state, but come back for this event,” said Dean Pickering, who has been a board member since the event’s inception in 1990. “It’s become one of the premiere gospel events in Florida on a regional level.”

Besides being a board member, he also plays keyboard for The Pickerings, the sibling act that has performed at the fall music convention for many years.

Pickering said the biggest change he’s noticed over the years is the audience’s desire for premium technical quality and entertainment.

“It’s become more demanding in terms of what they expect because everyone’s used to getting the high definition experience at home,” said Pickering, noting that the convention eventually added a video screen to accompany live performances. “That’s an issue for the industry as a whole.”

Pickering estimates more than 500 people will attend the convention each day. There will also be 10 a.m. chapel services on Saturday and Sunday.

“It’s a great event, and our mission is to keep gospel music alive in Florida,” he said.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

For more information on lodging, the musical acts, the convention’s schedule and more, call (407) 788-6556 or visit www.fgma.org.